St. Landry democrat., 1887-06-18


the picture-dealers gave him only very
moderate price for them.
Still, in spite of this drawback, Megllp,
being of cheerful, happy-go-lucky disposl-
ton, kept up his courage, worked early and
late in his studio, and believed firmly that
some day favorable turn in his affairs
would come. He had married early young
lady possessed of more beauty than fortune;
in fact, Mrs. Megilps marriage portion OF
1900 only just paid for the furnishing OF
the house and studio at kensington, where
the young couple began housekeeping.
But with the best intentions, the young
wife was not very skillful manager, SO
gradually the Megilps glided into debt, and
in due course the tradespeople became rest
i've and refused further supplies until their
little bills were paid. When Michael An
gelo and his wife came to add up their
liabilities, they found that they amounted
to nearly Zoo, sum-total which seemed
terrific to poor little Mrs. Megilp.
Where on earth can we get 92OO, Angy?'
she cried, clasping her hands tragically. AL
your pictures, even if you could sell them,
wouldn fetch half that"
There's the furniture you know, Madge,"
hazarded Megilp. st was bought with your
money. What do you say to
''Oh, don't-don't sell it I couldn't bear
to part with all my pretty things she in
terrupted, with loving glance round her
drawing-room, which was quite picture OF
modest elegance.
such sacrifice, my dear" replied Michael
Angelo, soothingly; 'but we could raise
goo on it easily"
You're quite-Quite sure the furniture
would be safe?"
Perfectly sure; and l think I know the
man who will do the business-a bill of sale,
you know-not half bad way Of raising
money"
Accordingly Megilp went next morning
down to Wardour street, and in dirty little
bric-a-brac shop he unearthed the worthy
persons who was to oblige him with the
loan.
you want goo on bill Of sale on your
furniture?" said Mr. Zerubbabel, when the
artist had explained his errand. II must
come down to your house and see what you
have got before can give you an answer"
"Surely you can take my word that there
is more than ample security for the amount
want. Besides presents, we ourselves spent
over e60O only two years ago. replied
Michael Angelo, angrily.
Mr. Zerubbabel laid his fat forefnger along
his great hooked nose, and winked, adding:
81 dare say Still, I'd rather have look
at it before we do business. If you give me
your address I'll call on you tomorrow"
Michael Angelo swallowed his vexation as
best he could, gave his address, and left the
bric-a-brac shop.
Mr.. Zerubbabal duly paid his visit of in
spectioli, and in the course of a few days the
negotiation was fat accompN. The Megilps
paid their bills, the tradespeople smiled once
more on Mrs. Megilps and matters went on
quite smoothly for several months. The in
terest on the goo was punctually paid, and
early in the year Michael Angelo finished
the picture he intended to send in to Burling
ton House.
Every one who entered the studio
prophesied great things of this picture,
and every one agreed that Chloe
Counting Her Chickens" was, SO far,
Megilp's chef-d euyre. The artist himself
founded all his hopes of fame on this charm
ing work.
II won't take penny less than $500 for
it," he said to his wife, after the visit of dis
tinguished art critic to his studio. "Carper
saysit will take the town by storp-and SO
it will"
II wish you could sell itsoon," sighed Mrs.
Megilp. II often feel uncomfortable about
that dreadful bill of sale-it' like what's -his-
names sword hanging over our heads.''
sOh, the furniture is safe enough" replied
Michael Angelo, lightly But / tell you
what it is, Madge-it handicaps me fright
fully to have bill of sale registered against
me-"
"Why don't you 60 and see Zerubbabel,
and try to come to terms with him?' sug-
heard of 'Chloe'-every one has-and if you
promise to pay him when you have sold
your picture, surely he can't refuse to give
YOU back that horrid document"
Though hardly taking this optimistic view
of matters, Megilp acted on his wifes advice,
and forthwith paid a visit to Mr.. Zerub-
babers shop.
When he had preferred his request, the
bric-a- brac seller smiled and shook his head.
s'Micah Zerubbabel wasn't born yester-
day." he said, with a cunning look in his
twinkling black eyes Your picture
mayn't be worth fve-pound note"
s'It's worth at least e5o0" broke in the
artist, reddening, ''Carper said sou
"Who's Carper? But even if the picture
were worth $780," grinned Mr.. Zerubbabel,
ssit wouldn't pay meto buy it at such price.
But why do you want to quash the bill of
sale?'
II want to be rid Of the business. Itdoesn't
suit me to have thing of this sort hanging
over me-in fact, it is against ME in my pro
fession."
Better find the e2Oo, them" replied the
money-lender insolently; "but personally
Tn not fond of buying pigs in pokes, or pic
lures by unknown artists, though perhaps
other people may be. tits, however, foryou
to find them, not for me. Good morning,
NV dear sir. Sorry can't oblige you.'
'sHorrid old scamp!" muttered Megilp, as
he left Zerubbabel's shop and turned his face
westward.
Not to be caught by chaff, my fine shen.
tleman," commented the amiable bric-a-brae
dealer turning back into his dingy abode.
.You don't get off your bargain SO easily as
that Then he proceeded to unlock fireproof